State Senator Robert Allain, representing District 21, which includes parts of Saint Mary Parish and Morgan City, discusses the impact of Hurricane Francine and the response efforts. During the storm, Allain sent his family out of town due to the projected Category 2 direct hit. While his sugar cane crop suffered, his personal property remained largely unaffected.
Allain explains that the storm caused significant damage to the sugar cane crop, making it harder to harvest and potentially reducing yields by 5-20%. This increase in labor costs and reduced yield will not necessarily affect sugar prices, as they are determined by the global market.
The storm also caused extensive tree damage and flooding in his district. Morgan City, in particular, received over 20 inches of rain, leading to pump failures in some areas. Mayor Dragna of Morgan City used personal pumps to mitigate flooding in the Lakeside subdivision, earning praise from Allain.
Allain stayed at the Morgan City Emergency Operations Center throughout the storm, coordinating with local governments and state resources. He highlights the efficient response from the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (GOHSEP), noting the rapid delivery of necessary equipment like pumps and generators.
This was the first hurricane for the Landry administration and many new state senators. Allain gives the administration an “A” grade for their response, praising their constant communication and willingness to seek improvements. He emphasizes the importance of being the point of contact between local governments and state resources, ensuring that needs are met promptly during emergencies.
Overall, Allain’s account underscores the challenges faced during Hurricane Francine and the effective collaboration between local and state authorities to address these challenges.
For more information, visit: damage.la.gov